Legal Terms Starting with R
Ratification
Formal approval or confirmation of a previous act, making it legally valid and binding.
Contract LawReasonable Doubt
The level of certainty required for criminal conviction, doubt based on reason and common sense.
Criminal LawRebuttal
Evidence or testimony presented to contradict or disprove opposing party's case or arguments.
Trial PracticeRecidivism
The tendency of convicted criminals to reoffend and return to criminal behavior after release.
Criminal LawReckless
Acting with conscious disregard for substantial and unjustifiable risk, more culpable than negligence.
Criminal LawRecusal
A judge's voluntary withdrawal from a case due to conflict of interest or appearance of bias.
Court ProcedureRemand
An appellate court's return of a case to the lower court for further proceedings or reconsideration.
Appellate LawRescission
The cancellation of a contract, returning parties to their pre-contract positions as if no agreement existed.
Contract LawRes Judicata
Latin for "a matter judged" - a final judgment bars relitigation of the same claim between parties.
Civil ProcedureRespondeat Superior
Latin doctrine holding employers liable for employees' wrongful acts committed within the scope of employment.
Employment LawRestitution
Court-ordered compensation paid by a defendant to a victim for losses or damages caused by criminal conduct.
Criminal LawRestraining Order
A court order prohibiting someone from certain actions or contact to protect another from harassment or harm.
Family LawRetainer
An advance payment to an attorney to secure legal services and establish the attorney-client relationship.
Legal PracticeReverse
An appellate court's decision to overturn or set aside a lower court's judgment or ruling.
Appellate LawRevocable Trust
A trust that can be modified or terminated by the grantor during their lifetime, often used for estate planning.
Estate PlanningRight of Way
The legal right to pass through property owned by another, or the right to proceed first in traffic situations.
Property LawRobbery
The unlawful taking of property from a person through force, violence, or threat of immediate harm.
Criminal LawRule of Law
The principle that law applies equally to all persons and institutions, and no one is above the law.
Legal TheoryRuling
A court's decision on a legal issue, motion, or objection presented during proceedings.
Court Procedure